Team SA’s girls volleyballers won gold at the Region 5 Games in Windhoek, becoming the first girls team from South Arica to do so. The boys were unable to match the feat, but still picked up silver against Zimbabwe in their final, writes Mark Lemke.
The history-making girls faced Mozambique in a final that went down to the wire. Team SA won the first set 25-22, however their opponents responded well and levelled the match up 1-1.
Set three went to the South Africans and the fourth went the other way. This left a thrilling first-to-15 finale. Team SA had no interest in letting it slip, and the girls turned it up a gear and dominated. They won the final set 15-6 and cemented themselves in South African sporting history.
The President of Volleyball South Africa, Anthony Mokoena, was in attendance for this monumental match and provided a comment.
“This is an incredible achievement for the girls and for South Africa. We need to thank our government and our Olympic body for their amazing support. These girls are an inspiration to all of South African and this gold medal should encourage the next generation of girls to compete and aim for the very best.”
The boys faced a strong Zimbabwe team who were the defending champions. Despite the fight they put in, the defending champions were unplayable, defeating the South Africans 3-0.
The captain, Yashin Naidoo, said after the loss: “We are disappointed we could not get the gold, but we fought hard and Zimbabwe played out of their skins today. Congratulations to them on the win, they deserved it today.
“I am still proud of the guys. A silver medal for Team South Africa is a special achievement and it has been an honour representing my country alongside them.”
Photo: Frennie Shivambu
